Method and device for handling bag chains

ABSTRACT

A method and device for handling a bag chain, wherein the bag chain is folded into layers to form a stack, and wherein the layers each include one or multiple bags of the bag chain. The bag chain is folded by at least one folding member which engages between the bags of the bag chain to fold the bag chain.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority on and the benefit of German Patent Application No. 10 2017 006 885.2 having a filing date of 20 Jul. 2018.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The invention relates to a method for handling a bag chain, wherein the bag chain is folded into layers to form a stack, and wherein the layers each include one or multiple bags of the bag chain.

The invention additionally relates to a corresponding device for handling a bag chain, wherein the bag chain is folded into layers to form a stack, and wherein the layers each include one or multiple bags of the bag chain.

Prior Art

A bag chain is a plurality of bags which are connected together to form a chain. The bags can be formed from a foil material and be filled with a pack contents or be empty. The bags of the bag chain, as a rule, have two large-format side walls which are connected together by means of side seams. Respectively adjacent bags inside the bag chain are connected in a connection region, as a rule said connection region is situated between the side seams, facing one another, of respectively adjacent bags of the bag chain. The bags can be separated into singles from the bag chain as a result of separation in the connection region. To this end, either a separating cut is carried out in the connection region or a perforation line is provided in the connection region which can be severed in order to separate the bags into singles.

Such bag chains are usually packed into boxes after production. In order to arrange the bag chains there in a space-saving manner, it is additionally usual for the bag chains to be folded into layers, as a result of which so-called zig-zag layers are created (corresponding to the progression of the bag chains in the stack). Such a device is disclosed, for example, in DE 28 08 513 A. Here, the bag chain is guided by pivotable guide walls 10 which carry out a pendulum movement, as a result of which, following the guide walls, the bag chain is folded into the layers which are also so-called zig-zag layers in this case too. A disadvantage of said solution is that the performance of the device is restricted by the pendulum movement of the guide walls and the weights to be moved thereby.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Proceeding from here, the object underlying the invention is to further develop methods and devices of the type mentioned in the introduction, in particular with regard to a greater performance with, at the same time, as gentle handling of the bag or bag chains as possible.

A method for achieving said object is a method for handling a bag chain, wherein the bag chain is folded into layers to form a stack, and wherein the layers each include one or multiple bags of the bag chain, characterized in that the bag chain is folded by at least one folding member which engages between the bags of the bag chain to fold the bag chain. It is accordingly provided that the bag chain is folded by at least one folding member which engages between the bags of the bag chain to fold the bag chain. It has been shown in a surprising manner that bag chains can be folded rapidly and gently in this way.

The term “engage” is to be understood within the framework of said application not as “gripping” in the sense of “holding” but rather as the relative movement between bag chain and folding member which results in the folding member being positioned between two adjacent bags and contacting the bag chain in such a way that folding is effected.

It is preferably provided that adjacent bags of the bag chain are connected together in a connection region, wherein the folding member engages in the bag chain in the connection region between adjacent bags in order to fold the bag chain there. It is, in particular, possible to fold the bag chain in a particularly gentle manner in this way.

It is preferably provided that the bag chain is folded about the folding member as a result of relative movement between folding member and bag chain. It is therefore conceivable both to move the folding member to the bag chain and the other way around or to have a superposed movement.

It is preferably provided that the bag chain is folded into zig-zag layers, wherein the bag chain is folded by two folding members in such a manner that, to form the zig-zag layers, the bag chain is folded first of all by a first folding member in one direction and then by another second folding member in another different direction which deviates from the first direction.

In a preferred design, it can be provided that the folding member or members is/are formed at least in part by arms of one or of multiple rotationally driven star wheels, wherein the arms engage between adjacent bags and as a result fold the bag chain.

In a particularly preferred further development of the invention, it can be provided that at least two star wheels are arranged on different, oppositely situated sides of the bag chain, wherein the arms of the star wheels, which are arranged on different, oppositely situated sides of the bag chain, engage in the bag chain one after the other in an alternating manner in order to fold the bag chain into zig-zag layers.

A further characteristic can consist in that the bags of the bag chain, which are folded into layers, coming from the folding members, are fed to a removal conveyor, by way of which the folded bags of the bag chain are held in their formation during transport and are conveyed in the direction of a filling station for containers, wherein it is provided that the bags of the bag chain are transported with the removal conveyor with the layers standing upright and wherein it is further provided that the layers are transported on the removal conveyor at an angle to an imaginary vertical plane, in particular at an angle in the transport direction.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the bags of the bag chain, which are arranged in layers, are pushed into a container by a slide, wherein the bags of the bag chain, which are arranged in layers, are transported, coming from the removal conveyor, to a pivotable platform which is arranged at an angle for receiving the bags of the bag chain and which, for removing the bags of the bag chain, is pivoted into a horizontal arrangement, parallel to walls of the container which is arranged adjacent to the platform.

A device for achieving the object named in the introduction is a device for handling a bag chain, wherein the bag chain is folded into layers to form a stack, and wherein the layers each include one or multiple bags of the bag chain, characterized in that the device comprises at least one folding member which is set up for the purpose of folding the bag chain by the folding member engaging between the bags of the bag chain. It is accordingly provided that the device comprises at least one folding member which is set up for the purpose of folding the bag chain by the folding member engaging between the bags of the bag chain.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that two folding members are provided which are arranged on different, oppositely situated sides of the bag chain, wherein the folding members are set up for the purpose of the bag chain, for forming zig-zag layers, being foldable first of all by a first folding member in one direction and then by another second folding member in another direction which deviates from the first direction.

It is preferably provided that the folding member or folding members is/are formed at least in part by arms of one or of multiple rotationally driven star wheels, wherein the arms are realized so as to engage between adjacent bags and as a result fold the bag chain.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the star wheels are drivable in a continuously rotatable manner about parallel and horizontal axes which are arranged at such a distance apart that an arm of one star wheel engages in each case in a space between two arms of the other star wheel, and wherein the bag chain is guided through between the adjacent arms of the oppositely situated star wheels and, in this case, is foldable as a result of the movement of the arms.

A further characteristic can be with regard to the design of a removal conveyor for the stacked bags. Accordingly, the bags of the bag chain, which are folded into layers, coming from the folding member or the folding members, are feedable to the removal conveyor, wherein the removal conveyor comprises compartments, in each of which a folded bag chain is received and which is set up for the purpose of holding the folded bags of the bag chain in their formation during transport with the removal conveyor.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the removal conveyor is formed by two (endless) conveyors which each comprise entrainment means which protrude in relation to a conveyor run of the respective conveyor such that the compartments are defined by the conveyor runs, facing one another, of the conveyors and the respective entrainment means, and wherein the entrainment means are arranged on the conveyor runs at an angle in relation to an imaginary vertical plane, and wherein the bags of the bag chain abut against the entrainment means by way of a side surface such that the layers are transportable correspondingly standing in the compartments at an angle in the transport direction.

It can be provided additionally that the device comprises a pivotable platform for transferring the folded bag chains to a container, wherein the platform is arranged at an angle for taking over the folded bag chains, and for transferring the folded bag chains is pivotable into a horizonal plane, or parallel to walls of the container which is arranged adjacent to the platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred design of the invention is described below by way of the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a spatial, schematic representation of a device for handling bag chains;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device corresponding to arrow II in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 to 5 show a detail of the device during consecutive phases of the handling (folding) of the bag chains;

FIG. 6 shows a vertical section through the device corresponding to cutting line VI-VI in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 shows a horizontal section through the device corresponding to cutting line VII-VII in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a detail of the device according to arrow VIII in FIG. 10; and

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a side view of a detail of the device according to arrow IX in FIG. 7 during consecutive phases of the feeding of the folded bag chains into a container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is described below by way of a packing machine 10, by way of which the bag chains 11 are packed into containers 12.

The bag chains 11 are arranged stacked inside the container 12. The invention is concerned with the forming of said stack 13 and the subsequent transport of the same into a container 12.

FIG. 1 shows the essential members of the device. The bag chain 11 to be packed is severed in a cutting station 14 and the bag chain 11 is folded in a following folding station 15. The folded bag chains 11 are removed by means of a removal conveyor 16. Finally, the folded bag chains 11 are inserted into the container 12.

The bag chains 11 are realized as described in the introduction, that is to say as a chain of interconnected bags 17. Adjacent bags 17, in this case, are connected together in a connection region 18.

The bag chains 11 are shortened to a predetermined length in the cutting station 14. A cutting knife 19, which interacts with a counter knife 20 which is arranged on the other side of the bag chain 11 to the cutting knife 19, serves for this purpose.

The bag chain 11, which is conveyed in the direction of the folding station 15, is transported past the cutting knife 19 and counter knife 20, the position of the connection regions 18 being detected by a sensor 21 and the bag chain 11 being severed at a certain length as a result of moving cutting knife 19 and counter knife 20 together in the connection region 18. In the present case, conveyors 22 serve for transporting bag chains 11 in the direction of the folding station 15.

The bags 17 or the bag chains 11 are arranged in layers 23 inside the stack 13 to be formed. In the present case, two bags 17 are arranged in each layer 23. The number of bags 17 per layer 23, however, can vary. It is conceivable for only one bag 17 to be provided per layer 23. Multiple bags 17 per layer 23 are also conceivable.

The bag chain 11 is arranged in a zig-zag-like or zig-zag-shaped manner inside a stack 13. The bag chain 11 has to be folded correspondingly alternating in two directions. For this purpose, two star wheels 24, 25, the arms 26 of which fold the bag chain 11 alternately in the one direction and in the other direction, are provided in the exemplary embodiment shown.

The two star wheels 24, 25 are each arranged so as to rotate about a horizontal axis 27. The direction of rotation of the two star wheels 24, 25, in this case, is in opposite directions.

Both star wheels 24, 25 comprise the same number of arms 26. The arms 26 are each arranged directed radially in relation to the axis 27. Spaces 28 are realized between each adjacent arm 26 of a star wheel 24, 25.

The two star wheels 24, 25, or rather the axes 27 thereof, are arranged at a vertical spacing from one another, however in such a manner that the arms 26 of one star wheel 24, 25 each project into the spaces 28 between the arms 26 of the respective other star wheel 25, 24. The angular position of the arms 26 is preferably offset by 90° in each case relative to one another. The zig-zag folding of the bag chain 11 can be effected in this manner.

The fed bag chain 11 is lifted up from the conveyor 22 by way of a first arm 26 of the lower star wheel 25. In this case, the two bags 17 of the first layer 23 rest on the arm 26 and a free end of the arm 26 reaches into the connection region 18 to the next bag 17 (FIG. 3). As the rotation of the two star wheels 24, 25 continues, a free end of an arm 26 of the upper star wheel 24 engages from the other side in a connection region 18 between adjacent pairs of bags and consequently provides the folding of the bag chain 11 in the other direction (FIG. 4). The bag chain is folded in this way as a result of the alternating engagement of arms 26 of the two star wheels 24, 25 as folding members.

As an alternative to this, a perpendicular arrangement of the axes 27 is also conceivable such that the star wheels 24, 25 are then arranged so as to rotate in a horizontal plane. The folding of the bag chain 11 is then effected in a horizontal plane instead of in a vertical plane as shown in the figures.

The two star wheels 24, 25 can be coupled with regard to the drive, for example by means of toothed gears. However, it is also conceivable for the star wheels 24, 25 to be driven by independent servomotors. In this case, it is also possible to adapt the rotational speeds of the two star wheels 24, 25 individually. It is also conceivable to vary the rotational speeds of the star wheels 24, 25 in order to keep the feed of the bag chain 11 as constant as possible, in particular in the inlet region of the removal conveyor 16. Said variation in the rotational speeds can be performed separately for each star wheel 24, 25 (individually different) or for both star wheels 24, 25 together (both concurring).

Following the folding members, the folded bag chain 11 moves into the region of the removal conveyor 16. To this end, the bags are deposited on guides 38 and pushed in the direction of the removal conveyor 16 into a compartment 29.

The compartments 29 of the removal conveyor 16 are defined at the top and at the bottom by conveyor runs 30, 31 of endless conveyors 32, 33, and at the side by entrainment means 34 which protrude from the conveyor runs 30, 31. The distance between the endless conveyors 32, 33, which are arranged extending one over the other, or the length of the entrainment means 34 is dimensioned such that the lateral boundaries of the compartments 29 are formed respectively by an entrainment means 34 of the conveyor run 30 and an entrainment means 34 of the conveyor run 31. In addition, the entrainment means 34 and consequently the side walls of the compartments 29 are arranged at an angle in the conveying direction of the removal conveyor 16.

As a result of the angled entrainment means 34 or side walls, the layers 23, standing upright, of the stack 13 are arranged at a corresponding angle. In this way, the layers 23 can be correspondingly placed and consequently are less prone to falling over.

As an alternative to this, it is in particular conceivable to arrange the removal conveyor 16 overall at an angle, the entrainment means 34 then being able to be arranged standing perpendicularly to the conveyor runs 30, 31 in order to obtain the above-described situation. In addition, a substantially vertical arrangement of the removal conveyor 16 would be conceivable so that the stack 13 could be transported downward or upward quasi as in a shaft.

Following the removal conveyor 16, the stacks 13 move to a platform 35 which, for receiving a stack, is realized at an angle in the same direction as entrainment means 34 in relation to an imaginary horizontal plane. When a stack 13 is fed onto the platform 35, the stack 13 is supported downstream by a counter holder 36 in order to prevent the layers 23 of the stack 13 falling apart. The counter holder 36 is moved correspondingly with the stack 13 in the conveying direction until it arrives at the platform 35 (FIG. 9).

The platform 35 is then pivoted into a horizontal plane or rather into a position parallel to walls of the container 12 and the stack 13 is pushed off into the container 12 transversely with respect to the transporting direction by a slider 37.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   10 Packing machine -   11 Bag chain -   12 Container -   13 Stack -   14 Cutting station -   15 Folding station -   16 Removal conveyor -   17 Bag -   18 Connection region -   19 Cutting knife -   20 Counter knife -   21 Sensor -   22 Conveyor -   23 Layer -   24 Star wheel -   25 Star wheel -   26 Arm -   27 Axis -   28 Space -   29 Compartment -   30 Conveyor run -   31 Conveyor run -   32 Endless conveyor -   33 Endless conveyor -   34 Entrainment means -   35 Platform -   36 Counter holder -   37 Slide -   38 Guide 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for handling a bag chain (11), comprising folding the bag chain (11) into layers (23) to form a stack (13), wherein the layers (23) each include one or multiple bags (17) of the bag chain (11), and wherein the bag chain (11) is folded by at least one folding member which engages between the bags (17) of the bag chain (11) to fold the bag chain (11).
 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising connecting adjacent bags (17) of the bag chain (11) together in a connection region (18), wherein the folding member engages in the bag chain (11) in the connection region (18) between adjacent bags (17) in order to fold the bag chain (11) there.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bag chain (11) is folded about the folding member as a result of relative movement between folding member and bag chain (11).
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bag chain (11) is folded into zig-zag layers, wherein the bag chain (11) is folded by two folding members in such a manner that, to form the zig-zag layers, the bag chain (11) is folded first of all by a first folding member in one direction and then by another second folding member in another direction which deviates from the first direction.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one folding member is formed at least in part by arms (26) of one or of multiple rotationally driven star wheels (24, 25), wherein the arms (26) engage between adjacent bags (17) and as a result fold the bag chain (11).
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein at least two star wheels (24, 25) are arranged on different, oppositely situated sides of the bag chain (11), wherein the arms (26) of the star wheels (24, 25), which are arranged on different, oppositely situated sides of the bag chain (11), engage in the bag chain (11) one after the other in an alternating manner in order to fold the bag chain (11) into zig-zag layers.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bags (17) of the bag chain (11), which are folded into layers (23), coming from the folding member or members, are fed to a removal conveyor (16), by way of which the folded bags (17) of the bag chain (11) are held in their formation during transport and are conveyed in the direction of a filling station for containers (12), wherein it is provided that the bags (17) of the bag chain (11) are transported with the removal conveyor (16) with the layers (23) standing upright and wherein it is further provided that the layers (23) are transported on the removal conveyor (16) at an angle to an imaginary vertical plane.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bags (17) of the bag chain (11), which are arranged in layers (23), are pushed into a container (12) by a slide (37), wherein the bags (17) of the bag chain (11), which are arranged in layers (23), coming from the removal conveyor (16), are transported to a pivotable platform (35) which is arranged at an angle for receiving the bags (17) of the bag chain (11) and which, for removing the bags (17) of the bag chain (11), is pivoted into a horizontal arrangement, or parallel to walls of the container (12) which is arranged adjacent to the platform (35).
 9. A device for handling a bag chain (11), wherein the bag chain (11) is folded into layers (23) to form a stack (13), and wherein the layers (23) each include one or multiple bags (17) of the bag chain (11), the device comprising at least one folding member which is set up for the purpose of folding the bag chain (11) by the folding member engaging between the bags (17) of the bag chain (11).
 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein two folding members are provided which are arranged on different, oppositely situated sides of the bag chain (11), wherein the folding members are set up for the purpose of the bag chain (11), for forming zig-zag layers, being foldable first of all by a first folding member in one direction and then by another second folding member in a different direction which deviates from the first direction.
 11. The device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one folding member is formed at least in part by arms (26) of one or of multiple rotationally driven star wheels (24, 25), wherein the arms (26) are realized so as to engage between adjacent bags (17) and as a result fold the bag chain (11).
 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the star wheels (24, 25) are drivable in a continuously rotatable manner about parallel and horizontal axes (27) which are arranged at such a distance apart that an arm (26) of one star wheel (24, 25) engages in each case in a space (28) between two arms (26) of the other star wheel (25, 24), and wherein the bag chain (11) is guided through between the adjacent arms (26) of the oppositely situated star wheels (24, 25) and, in this case, is foldable as a result of the movement of the arms (26).
 13. The device according to claim 9, further comprising a removal conveyor (16) to which the bags (17) of the bag chain (11), which are folded into layers (23), coming from the folding members, are feedable, wherein the removal conveyor (16) comprises compartments (29) in each of which a folded bag chain (11) is received and which is set up for the purpose of holding the folded bags (17) of the bag chain (11) in their formation during transport with the removal conveyor (16).
 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the removal conveyor (16) is formed by two (endless) conveyors (32, 33) which each comprise entrainment means (34) which protrude in relation to a conveyor run (30, 31) of the respective conveyor (32, 33) such that the compartments (29) are defined by the conveyor runs (30, 31), facing one another, of the conveyors (32, 33) and the respective entrainment means (34), and wherein the entrainment means (34) are arranged on the conveyor runs (30, 31) at an angle in relation to an imaginary vertical plane, and wherein the bags (17) of the bag chain (11) abut against the entrainment means (34) by way of a side surface such that the layers (23) are transportable correspondingly standing in the compartments (29) at an angle in the transport direction.
 15. The device according to claim 9, further comprising a pivotable platform (35) for transferring the folded bag chains (11) to a container (12), wherein the platform (35) is arranged at an angle for taking over the folded bag chains (11), and for transferring the folded bag chains (11) is pivotable into a horizontal plane, or parallel to walls of the container (12) which is arranged adjacent to the platform (35). 